To improve cooperation between KfW and the UN agencies UNICEF and UNDP in supporting children and families in conflict-affected settings, we facilitated the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for joint project design and implementation. The goal was to accelerate project preparation, enhance management efficiency, and make collaboration more predictable and effective. We also supported the partners in establishing mechanisms for knowledge exchange and co-creation of innovative approaches, helping both organizations leverage their complementary strengths for greater impact.
Over the course of a year, we worked in an agile and participatory process involving both management and technical teams. The resulting SOP manual outlines the typical project cycle and provides practical guidance for efficient cooperation. It was piloted across several UNICEF and UNDP programmes to test and refine its applicability. Through structured dialogue formats, both in-person and online, we enabled transparent collaboration, joint learning, and a strong results orientation.